MOE Primary 1 Registration for 2023/2024: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Every year, thousands of parents eagerly anticipate the commencement of Primary 1 registration for their preschoolers. This year's registration exercise, scheduled to commence in July 2023, is expected to attract around 40,000 applicants. With the advent of the new birth cohort size and revised registration phases, it is imperative for parents to be well-informed about the registration process to secure their child's place in their preferred primary school.

Registration Phases and Key Dates

The MOE Primary 1 Registration exercise for the 2023/2024 academic year will comprise three phases:

Phase 1 (PV & Brother/Sister)
* Dates: 11-13 July 2023
* Eligibility: Children enrolled in MOE Kindergartens (K1) and those with siblings currently studying in the same primary school.

Phase 2A1 & 2A2 (Singapore Citizens with Priority)
* Dates: 18-19 July 2023
* Eligibility:
* 2A1: Singapore Citizens (SCs) with children born between 2 January 2017 and 1 January 2018.
* 2A2: SCs with children born between 2 January 2016 and 31 December 2016.

Phase 2B & 2C (Other Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents)
* Dates: 25-26 July 2023
* Eligibility:
* 2B: SCs and Permanent Residents (PRs) who are not eligible for Phase 2A1 or 2A2, and have completed at least 8 months of stay in Singapore.
* 2C: All other SCs and PRs not eligible for Phase 2A1, 2A2, or 2B.

Application Procedure

Parents can apply for their child's Primary 1 placement online via the MOE's Primary 1 Registration System (P1RS) during the designated registration phases. The following documents are required for registration:

• Child's birth certificate
• Parent's NRIC or FIN
• Proof of address

School Selection

One of the most important aspects of the Primary 1 registration process is the selection of schools. Parents are advised to research various schools to identify those that align with their child's needs and interests. Factors to consider include:

• Proximity to home: The distance between the school and the child's residence.
• Academic reputation: The school's academic performance and track record.
• Co-curricular activities: The range and quality of co-curricular activities offered by the school.
• School culture: The values and ethos of the school.

** balloting**

In the event that a school receives more applications than available places, balloting will be conducted to determine which applicants will be offered admission. Balloting is conducted separately for each phase and the chances of securing a place through balloting vary depending on the school's popularity and the number of applicants.

Posting Results and School Placement

The posting results will be released on 29 September 2023. Parents can check their child's posting status via P1RS. Successful applicants will receive an enrolment letter from the school. Parents are required to accept the offer by the specified deadline to secure their child's place.

Appeals

Parents who are unsuccessful in securing a place in their preferred school may lodge an appeal to the MOE. Appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on factors such as the availability of vacancies and the strength of the appeal.

Conclusion

The Primary 1 registration process is a significant milestone for parents and their preschoolers. By understanding the registration phases, application procedure, school selection process, and balloting system, parents can increase their chances of securing a place for their child in their preferred primary school. It is important to note that the MOE regularly reviews and updates its registration guidelines, so parents are advised to stay informed about the latest changes to ensure a smooth and successful registration experience.